Atlantic Beach property owners would pay more in taxes next fiscal year under a proposed millage rate the City Commission advanced Aug. 10.

Resolution 26-98, approved at the commission's regular meeting, set the proposed FY 2026-27 rate at 2.7499 mills, or $2.7499 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That exceeds the rolled-back rate of 2.5815 mills, the revenue-neutral threshold that would generate the same tax revenue as the current year after accounting for changes in property values.

The resolution directed City Manager Kevin Hogencamp to file the rate with the Duval County Property Appraiser, as required by state law. Two public hearings on the final millage rate and budget are scheduled for Sept. 14 and Sept. 28 at City Hall, according to the city's meeting agenda and a community summary of the resolution.

Individual commissioner votes were not available as of Aug. 13; official meeting minutes had not yet been posted.

Commission adopts city manager search policy

The commission also approved Resolution 26-101, adopting a formal City Manager Search and Selection Policy. Commissioner Ring first raised the need for such a protocol at the July 13 regular meeting. The policy comes less than two months after the commission appointed Hogencamp as city manager June 22 and rescinded an earlier executive search contract.

Mayor pitches DG Market to fill Mayport Road food desert

Mayor Curtis Ford introduced a proposal to sell a 1.25-acre city-owned parcel on northern Mayport Road to a developer who wants to build a DG Market, a Dollar General offshoot that carries produce, meats and refrigerated food.

The area has lacked a grocery option for years.

"After so many years of literally having a food desert on Mayport Road, we actually have a solution," Ford said at the meeting, according to News4JAX. "Some may call it a partial solution because it's not a full-size grocery, but it is a significant step forward."

A developer has offered approximately $875,000 for the parcel, which the city acquired in the 1990s as part of its purchase of the Buccaneer Water Service. The land is zoned for mobile home use. A zoning change through the City of Jacksonville would be required before development could begin. Ford said the city is pursuing a formal appraisal before bringing a finalized contract back to the commission. Dollar General representatives told commissioners the store could be built within 12 to 14 months if approved.

The Mayport Road area lost its Food Lion in 2012, and Terry's Country Store, a local shop carrying meats, seafood and produce, closed in 2022. At least one resident told News4JAX they had concerns about parking near an elementary school across the street from the proposed site.

No formal vote was taken on the DG Market item; it was introduced as a commissioner report for discussion.

Tree code update and budget amendment also on the agenda

The commission heard a city manager report on Phase 2 of the Tree Protection Code update. Phase 1, which added a Landmark Tree definition and preservation regulations, passed final reading July 13. Phase 2's scope was not detailed in the agenda.

Commissioners also gave first reading to Ordinance 20-26-183, which would amend the current FY 2025-26 operating budget.

What's on the city's calendar next

The next budget workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 19, at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road. The next regular commission meeting is Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. Public hearings on the FY 2026-27 budget and millage rate are set for Sept. 14 and Sept. 28. Residents who wish to speak may submit a request to the city clerk before the meeting; forms are available at the entrance to the Commission Chamber.